This doesn’t necessarily mean a permanent demotion for Milone, who remains on the Athletics’ 40-man roster, which means he can be called up again at any point.

Milone is 9-9 this season with a 4.39 ERA, 100 strikeouts and 33 walks in 133 1/3 innings pitched this year and he’s coming off a losing start in which he gave up six runs in 3 2/3 innings on Friday against the Texas Rangers.

He’s been acting as the team's fifth starter this year, and due to off days, the Athletics won’t need a No. 5 starter for more than a week.

In 2012, Milone cemented his spot in the starting lineup and finished 13-10 with a 3.74 ERA to help the Athletics win the American League West and advance to the playoffs.

Milone started a game in the AL Division Series against the Detroit Tigers and allowed one run in six innings, but ended up with a no-decision.

After Saugus, Milone played at USC and was drafted by the Nationals in the 10th round of the 2008 MLB Draft.